Good morning, Jackson.

William Zabriskie of Jackson Fire, who has served since 2018 and volunteers with Madison County Fire Department, is named Tennessee’s 2026 Firefighter of the Year after rescuing an unconscious person during a January house fire—he also trains firefighters locally and statewide.

Dogs on Deployment offers free pet boarding for service members and first responders during training or deployment (owners cover feeding, grooming and vet costs).

The program connects military personnel with volunteer families for temporary pet care.

Tennemo Rice, a West Tennessee mill, was named a finalist in the Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee contest, highlighting the local business’s creative approach to rice production.

The recognition underscores its contribution to regional innovation in a state-wide competition.

Gas prices in Tennessee rose 11 cents on average last week to $3.92, with metro rates in Jackson reaching $3.98 and Memphis $3.96.

The increase follows a surge in crude oil prices linked to rising tension in the Middle East.

A recent EdWeek survey shows Tennessee teachers have a morale score ranging from +4 to +16 as 81% praise their benefits and 90% expect improvements next year.

Teachers noted that smaller classes (18 or less) and mental health days could boost classroom morale.

The Jackson Fire Department confirmed that retired Chief Max Stewart died on Sunday and is being mourned by the team.

Stewart retired in 2018 and details on funeral arrangements will be shared later.

Voting is open for the Jackson area's girls high school athlete of the week contest, recognizing achievements from Sept.

7-12. The poll closes Thursday at 4 p.m. on Sept. 17 and features nominees Millie Brigham, Audi Lifsey, Rylee Hood, Chloe Rimmer, and Alaina Uselton.

Voting is open for the Jackson area boys high school Athlete of the Week from Sept.

7-12; the poll closes Thursday, Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. Nominees include Hunter Griffin, Ben Burgess, Deegan Arant, Jobernick Lopez, and Cayden Creech (each with standout game stats).

The TSSAA high school football Week 5 schedule (Sept.

17-18) lists games across the state, including a matchup in Jackson County as teams from East, Middle, and West Tennessee prepare to face off.

The Jackson Sun announced that Owen Hewitt, a native of Germantown (and a Villanova journalism graduate), has begun his role as full-time high school sports reporter and will cover local teams with live updates on X since Sept.

14.

On Monday, the Tennessee Vols improved to a 2-0 record with a road win at Georgia Tech — the team played with strong teamwork and skill throughout the match.